THE POWER OF PHILANTHROPY
IN ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION AND TRANSPLANTATION
Meet the Speakers and Organizers
Denise M. Andersen
Chief Development Officer, Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
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Denise Andersen is the Chief Development Officer for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, leading the development team to fund impact focused on curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis.
Denise has a proven record of success in leading, managing, and raising philanthropic funds to support mission impact.​ Denise recently served as Executive Director for Table to Table, the first and most successful fresh food rescue program in New Jersey. Before that, Denise held several leadership roles: She led the Northeast Region of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), overseeing offices in Connecticut, Greater NY, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Upstate NY, and New England. Her role included talent management, income development, capacity building, volunteer engagement, corporate worksite engagement, and advocacy. At the American Diabetes Association, she oversaw New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Delaware as Regional Vice President, and at the American Cancer Society, she held a variety of roles as Director of Special Events, Senior Director of Income Development, Director of Leadership Gifts, Executive Director, and Regional Vice President. She began her career with roles at the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inez Weinstein Special Events, and the American Red Cross.
Denise is a graduate of Queens College, CUNY, with a degree in communications, living in New Jersey with her husband and the proud parent of two daughters.
Caitlyn Bernabucci
Director, Community Affairs and Development, New England Donor Services
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Caitlyn Bernabucci is the Director, Community Affairs and Development for New England Donor Services, and has worked in the donation field since starting with LifeChoice Donor Services in 2006.
After her mother received a life-saving liver transplant in 2004, she pursued an opportunity to bring attention to the mission to save and heal lives through donation. She works with the Department of Motor Vehicles, community programs, leads all fundraising and development initiatives, including the organization of the Blue & Green 5K/Walks in CT and MA.
Caitlyn is a former Board Chair for Donate Life Connecticut, former Chair of Donate Life America’s Advisory Council and currently serves as State Team Liaison on Donate Life America’s Advisory Council.
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Frank Casale
CEO & Co-Founder, Tranquilla AI
Co-Founder, Brainswarm AI
Frank Casale is a thought leader and sales and marketing expert with an unparalleled global network of emerging tech and AI decision makers and influencers.
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As the founder of multiple ecosystems including The Institute of Robotic Process Automation and Artificial Intelligence, Outsourcing Institute, and most recently Generative AI Network, Frank and team continue to provide expert insight, education, and networking opportunities. With decades of experience in assisting both startups and global enterprises, Frank’s expertise lies in his ability to act as a relationship builder, dealmaker, marketer, coach, connector, advisor, investor, and launch accelerator.
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Frank has been featured on CNN, CNBC, as well as in leading periodicals including NY Times, Investors Business Daily, Fortune Magazine, & Business Week.
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Kim Casko
Director of Client Services & Support, Elisse Glennon Consulting
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With over 25 years of experience across a variety of sectors, Kim Casko is a service leader and change champion with a passion for helping individuals, teams, and organizations be their best selves. She is grateful to currently serve as Director of Client Services & Support for Elisse Glennon Consulting, a firm that partners with nonprofit leaders seeking to elevate the impact of their organizations.
Kim holds a bachelor's degree in management and psychology from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania and a master's degree in higher education administration from Northwestern University in Illinois. Throughout her career, she has held various roles, including information technology consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, career advisor at the University of Maryland, change management director at the University of Illinois, and organizational effectiveness manager at ACT. She was President & CEO of the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce from 2016 to 2023, successfully leading the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, a merger, and development of a community vision and strategic plan.
In the spring of 2023, Kim decided to take a year-long sabbatical from “careering” to rest, reset, and reprioritize. This has been her greatest challenge to date! She continues to dedicate time and attention to the “inner work” of being her highest and best self.
Kim resides in Iowa City with her husband, John, and their two cats, Omi and Tanis. She also spends a significant portion of the year in New York, where she is originally from. She enjoys spending time with her active nephews and animals of any kind (not to imply that her nephews are animals), doing yoga and meditation, and getting in/on/by water whenever she can.
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Julienne R. Cherry
President & CEO, United Way of Greater Union County
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Julienne is a highly accomplished and dedicated nonprofit executive leader with over 27 years of experience in developing innovative programming and improving the lives of individuals in underserved communities. Her extensive experience in leadership roles, including President and CEO of the United Way of Greater Union County, CEO of Enne Consulting, Executive Director at Summit Health Cares, and Executive Director of CASA of Union County, has equipped her with the skills to drive performance, improve programs, and build relationships with a shared sense of purpose.
Julienne's commitment to equity and social justice is evident in her numerous initiatives, including her efforts to end Period Poverty and Diaper Need nationally. She has also been involved in various community events, such as health fairs, backpack drives, toy drives, and holiday meals, to ensure that communities have the resources they need to thrive.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Julienne has also been recognized for her academic achievements, being inducted into the Rutgers University Hall of Fame Class of 2021. She is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, founded on Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood.
Furthermore, Julienne has recently added the title of Councilwoman for the City of Plainfield, where she ran unopposed due to her landslide victory in the primaries. This new role shows her commitment to public service and her ability to positively impact her community. Additionally, she serves on the Social Justice Commission in Rahway.
Overall, Julienne is a visionary leader who is dedicated to improving the lives of others and making a positive difference in her community. Her extensive experience, leadership skills, and commitment to social justice make her an exceptional professional and community leader.
Julienne holds a Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University and a master's degree in public administration from Kean University.
Elisse Glennon
Founder & Principal, Elisse Glennon Consulting
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With over 25 years of extensive experience in nonprofit, foundation, and healthcare leadership, Elisse Glennon is an energetic and empathetic change driver with a passion for empowering organizations to realize their full potential. She is the founder and principal of Elisse Glennon Consulting LLC, where she partners with nonprofit leaders seeking to challenge the status quo and elevate their impact.
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Before establishing her consulting firm in 2022, Elisse held several notable leadership positions. She was Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at the NJ Sharing Network and Executive Director of their Foundation, where she led a restructuring that tripled their annual fund results. She was Vice President of Development at Palisades Medical Center and Executive Director of their Foundation, which she established and grew to $5M in revenue. She was also Chief Executive Officer of the United Way of Greater Union County, where she initiated and successfully completed a merger of five local United Way organizations in less than a year and was responsible for the local distribution of 9/11 funds. ​
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Beyond her positions, Elisse has helped lead and shape the industries in which she’s served. She was a driver behind the establishment of the Association of Organ Procurement Organization’s first fund development council and served on numerous boards including Donate Life America, Hospital Fundraising Executives of NJ, and United Way of New Jersey Professional Association. Elisse has also received numerous awards in recognition of her contributions including the TJ Maciak Award from the Transplant Life Foundation and the Robert J. Smythe Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She was also named Woman of the Year Award by the Salvation Army and one of the Best 50 Women in Business by NJBiz.
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Elisse holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Bucknell University, served as a faculty member at Fairleigh Dickinson University's Center for Non-Profit Excellence, and was selected for and completed Leadership New Jersey. [KC6] She remains actively engaged in her community, serving on the boards of the Meadowlands Regional Chamber, Eastwick College, Moe-tion Dance Theatre, and the Bucknell University Alumni Association.
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Elisse resides in Caldwell, NJ with her husband (an altruistic living kidney donor), four children, two cats, and a bunny. She is an avid Scrabble player and a budding Spartan Obstacle Course racer.
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Michael Goldstein, M.D., FACS
Director of the Division of Organ Transplantation, Hackensack University Medical Center and Hackensack Meridian Health​
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Michael Goldstein, M.D., is Director of the Division of Organ Transplantation at Hackensack University Medical Center and Hackensack Meridian Health. He is Professor of Surgery at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and the OPTN Surgical Program Director for adult and pediatric kidney transplantation, and pancreas transplantation.
Prior to joining Hackensack Meridian Health, he served as Chief of Kidney Transplantation at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the Executive Director, Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency. With surgical, academic, and executive experience in both organ donation and transplantation, Dr. Goldstein focuses his career on improving patient access to organ transplantation with the goal of maximizing the utilization of living and deceased donor organs for transplantation.
Dr. Goldstein is an advisor for the OPTN Expeditious Task Force, faculty member of the ESRD Treatment Choices Learning Collaborative, and active participant of the OPTN Transplant Center Growth Collaborative. In prior years, he served nationally with HRSA to improve transplant center quality on the Transplant Center Task Force and Co-Chaired the National Learning Congress for the Organ Donation and Transplantation Community of Practice. He also served as Vice-Chair of the UNOS Organ Availability Committee and the Medical Directors Council of the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations.
Dr. Goldstein’s clinical expertise includes: kidney and pancreas transplantation in adults and children, general surgery, hepatobiliary surgery, acute care surgery, vascular access surgery, organ donor management, and renal machine perfusion.
Dr. Goldstein is an author of numerous manuscripts and editorials focusing on clinical transplantation outcomes, organ donor management, organ preservation and machine perfusion, and the changing nature and modernization of surgical education.
Board-certified by the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Goldstein is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, member of the American Society for Transplant Surgeons, and American Society for Transplantation.
E’Tiffany Jones
Director of Communications & Strategic Partnerships, OneLegacy
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E’Tiffany Jones directs Communications & Strategic Partnerships at OneLegacy, the not-for-profit organ, eye and tissue recovery organization. She has a robust career of over ten years in communications, event production and partnership development.
E’Tiffany serves as Chair of the Donate Life Rose Parade© Float a global initiative where she spearheads fundraising and manages budgets ranging from fifty thousand to forty million. Under her guidance and direction, the organization received the highest Tournament of Roses honor, the Sweepstake Award, garnering global attention for the OneLegacy mission.
As director of Communications & Strategic Partnerships she utilizes a mix of earned media, creative programming, civic engagement, and philanthropic strategies to reach a population of twenty-million diverse residents of Southern California with the message of organ, eye and tissue donation. In her endeavors she works with many partners, sponsors and corporate entities including, but not limited to Thermofisher, Walgreens, Sam’s Club, Raising Cane’s and West Palm Bank.
Prior to joining OneLegacy, E’Tiffany developed her extensive background in cable
television, producing live TV shows and managing signature campaigns in conjunction with national media outlets such as NBCUniversal, Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), Viacom, BET and many other large scale media corporations.
E’Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Science in mass communications from Norfolk State
University and is an active member of the National Association of Black Journalist, the
Association of Multi-Cultural Affairs in Transplantation, the American Association of
University Women and Vice President of NSULA Alumni Association. She is also a founding member of the OPO-Medical School HBCU taskforce and Co-Chair of the national OneLegacy Donate Life Float Committee.
E’Tiffany and her husband reside in Los Angeles, California with their children.
Tony Kelly
Partner & Director of Financial Planning, King Financial Network
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As the Director of Financial Planning, I work with our clients to create and manage financial plans that we customize to specific goals. I was introduced to King Financial Network while I was a Finance Major at The University of Central Florida and spent two summers working as an intern before accepting Jim’s offer to work full-time after graduation.
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I love my role because each day brings a new problem to solve and allows me to continue educating myself on advanced planning strategies. I have found that each client has unique goals and scenarios to navigate along the way. Seeing the individual decisions we make over time result in a successful retirement, vacation home, or student loan payoff is very rewarding. I would say this is my dream job but during the NJ winters I strongly envy the PGA tour professionals.
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Our team was significantly smaller when I started with King Financial in 2007. Flash forward to today where I am proudly a partner of the firm, I feel blessed to be surrounded by an in-house team that can provide input to our client’s plans from many different areas of expertise. While helping build King Financial to what it is today, I was lucky enough to be supported by my high school sweetheart wife Christina. We live in Freehold with our three amazing children, Olivia, Nicolette and Vincent.
Tom Klukowski
Co-Founder, Warranty Champion LLC
Co-Founder, Brainswarm AI​
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Tom has been in corporate leadership roles for the last 15 years. His experience spans diverse industries but has deep expertise in manufacturing, supply chain, and emerging technology. His leadership and knowledge have helped many companies succeed in innovating new processes and products.
Rich Knupp
Vice President, Development, North at Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation
​Rich Knupp is a strategic leader with 15+ years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, and strategic planning across healthcare, higher education, and college athletics. As Vice President of Development for Hackensack Meridian Health’s North Region, he leads a high-performing team driving philanthropic investment in New Jersey’s top-ranked adult and children’s hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center. Knupp has played a pivotal role in shaping Hackensack Meridian Health’s development strategy—securing transformational gifts, deepening clinician and trustee engagement, and expanding grateful patient fundraising. Under his leadership, the system has launched innovative endowment opportunities and clinician-driven philanthropy models that align donor passions with institutional priorities, fueling groundbreaking research, medical education, and exceptional patient care. His efforts have led to multimillion-dollar investments in
pediatrics, oncology, orthopedics, and other key areas.
Previously, Knupp held fundraising leadership roles at Rutgers and Lehigh University, driving record-breaking support for scholarships, athletic facilities, and career development programs. He holds a BA from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Lehigh University and serves as Development Chair of the Rutgers Business School Board of Advisors. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching youth sports and outdoor adventures with his wife, Amanda, and their two children.
Lou Leonardis
Co-Founder, Creative Director at Trillion
Lou has an affinity for proving that strategic thinking, award-winning design and the perfect execution of ideas lead to success. He brings over 25 years of design know-how to Trillion, a creative agency with a major focus on helping not-for-profit organizations clearly communicate their mission, impact and brand.
His creative work is published internationally and has been recognized with many awards and honors. If your brand has lost some of its relevance, Lou can breathe new life into it by presenting your story in a visual, more impactful way. In his spare time, Lou enjoys visiting Zion National Park, bicycling and playing ice hockey.​
Eneida Perez
Data and Communication, Elisse Glennon Consulting
Eneida brings over a decade of experience in CRM management, strategic communications, and project leadership. She has worked across nonprofit and academic sectors, streamlining workflows, enhancing donor engagement, and optimizing data-driven decision-making. With an educational foundation in English and Communication, she is dedicated to blending technology, documentation, and thoughtful communication to foster meaningful connections.
Beyond the CRMs, spreadsheets, and strategy sessions, Eneida is a lifelong book lover, writer, and advocate for accessible information. She enjoys blending creativity with problem-solving—whether she’s managing projects, creating content, or connecting with fellow book enthusiasts. When she’s not working, you’ll find her reading and enjoying a day at a theme park.​
Peter Rooney
Global Healthcare Practice Lead, MRM​
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Peter Rooney is a recognized leader in healthcare marketing and philanthropy, with over 20 years of experience driving growth, transformation, and impact across pharma, health-tech, and nonprofit sectors. As EVP, Managing Director & Global Health Practice Lead at MRM Health, Peter has built and scaled full-service agency operations, securing record-breaking revenue and leading high-profile healthcare campaigns. His expertise in brand storytelling, engagement, and cross-sector collaboration makes him a sought-after strategist in healthcare marketing.
Beyond his agency leadership, Peter has been deeply engaged in the organ donation and transplantation community for more than a decade. An active volunteer at NJ Sharing Network (NJSN)—one of the country’s leading Organ Procurement Organizations—he joined the Foundation Board of Trustees in 2010 and later served as Chairman from 2013 to 2017. Today, he sits on the Governing Board of Trustees, continuing to drive awareness, advocacy, and philanthropy efforts.
His impact extends nationally, collaborating with Donate Life America, NY Alliance for Donation, Novartis, Roche/Genentech, and Sigma Pi International. His dedication to organ donation advocacy was recently recognized with a nomination as an NJBiz Healthcare Hero – Volunteer of the Year.
In addition to his philanthropic work, Peter serves on the Mendham Borough Board of Health, where he partners with local government and healthcare organizations to advance public health initiatives, emergency preparedness, and community wellness programs.
Doug Schoenberger
Government Affairs Specialist, NJ Center for Nonprofits​
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Doug Schoenberger joined the NJ Center for Nonprofits in December 2018 as a Government Affairs Specialist. In this role, Doug is responsible for coordinating the development and execution of the Center’s public policy objectives and advocating these goals to all stakeholders, including state legislators and staff, executive branch officials, and business organizations.
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Before joining the Center, Doug worked for AT&T and Verizon in a variety of roles. At AT&T, Doug held positions, among others, in international external affairs, business marketing, and systems engineering at Bell Laboratories. Doug joined Verizon in 2007, where he held roles in public policy, corporate philanthropy and state government affairs. Doug’s favorite job by far, however, was a brief stint as a “Good Humor Man” in high school.
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Doug also provides gentle but focused exhortations to New Jersey nonprofits as part of the Support Center’s “Navigator” program. He is the past Chairman of Lead New Jersey and past Vice-Chairman of the Council of NJ Grantmakers. Golf, pickleball, two daughters, and church youth work successfully compete for his free time.
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Doug’s education includes a B.S. from Union College in Applied Mathematics, an M. Eng. in Operations Research from Cornell University, and a Certificate in Theology and Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. He and his family reside in Hopewell, New Jersey.
Theresa Shubeck
Lead Consultant, Elisse Glennon Consulting​
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Theresa Shubeck has over four decades of professional philanthropic experience helping nonprofit organizations advance their missions, develop and execute strategies, raise critical funds, and train leaders. She has counseled nearly 250 institutions of all types, including social service, education, healthcare, faith-based, and the arts.
Theresa’s background in consulting and institutional positions includes capital campaigns, pre-campaign studies, advancement program assessments, board development, planned giving and executive search. During a 12-year tenure at the University level Theresa was involved in every area of student recruitment, alumni relations and development. Also on the institutional side, she held leadership roles for a Manhattan independent school and a social service agency in New Jersey. Theresa received the 2008 Robert J. Smythe Outstanding Professional Fundraiser Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals-New Jersey Chapter (AFP-NJ), nominated for conducting a successful debt-reduction campaign.
Theresa earned a B.A. from Mount Holyoke College in English and Psychology, a Master of Letters from Drew University, and has completed additional graduate study in English literature. Her publications include her Master’s thesis Sweet Dreams: Robert Frost’s Search for Self; “For Donors Who Have Everything,” The Major Gift Difference for CASE Currents; and a variety of articles for The Monitor, published by the Diocese of Trenton.
Theresa’s current and former board service spans social service, faith-based, education and cultural organizations and she has presented at seminars for prospective adoptive parents through FTIA (Families Thru International Adoption). Her daughter Claire Xian is currently a student at Tufts University School of Medicine.
Barbara Sine
Director of Advancement Services and Planned Giving, Newark Academy​
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Barbara Sine is a seasoned nonprofit and fundraising professional with a proven track record in planned and major gift fundraising. As the Director of Advancement Services and Planned Giving at Newark Academy, she plays a pivotal role in managing and enhancing the institution's fundraising initiatives.
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Barbara's expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of skills essential for successful nonprofit management, including strategic planning, communications, donor relations, and campaign execution. Her goal-driven approach has significantly contributed to the growth and sustainability of dozens of organizations through her work at Graham Pelton Consulting and Seton Hall University.
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Beyond her professional endeavors, Barbara is an advocate for inspiring others to live their best lives. In 2017 Barbara became a living kidney donor at St. Barnabas Hospital. Through the donation Barbara learned about the world of organ transplants, which ultimately led to accepting a seat on the Foundation Board at the Sharing Network. Barbara is also a certified end of life coach, and works with a local hospice agency in helping families and patients navigate their planning options.
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Barbara’s blend of expertise, compassion, and leadership has led to her success in the field of Planned Giving. She holds a B.S. degree from Upsala College and continues to inspire through both her professional and personal endeavors.
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Shelley Snyder
Executive Director, Donate Life Kentucky​
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Shelley Snyder is a dynamic leader with nearly 15 years of experience as Executive Director of Donate Life Kentucky. She has been a transformative force in Kentucky, leading initiatives that have tripled Kentucky's donor registry and the nonprofit’s budget, demonstrating her strategic and data-driven approach to achieving and surpassing critical metrics.
Beginning her career at an OPO supporting families going through the process of donation, Shelley has dedicated her life to public education and philanthropy efforts to honor donor families, patients on the waiting list, and transplant recipients. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northern Kentucky University, a master’s degree in administration from Union College, and a Certification in Fundraising Management from the IU Lilly School of Philanthropy.
Based in Louisville with her husband and two children, Shelley’s passion is deeply personal as a donor daughter and recipient daughter. She is committed to making a lasting impact in this Donate Life mission.
Amanda Tibok
Executive Director, Sharing Network Foundation​
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Amanda Tibok joined NJ Sharing Network in its mission to save and enhance lives in 2012. Now serving as Executive Director of the Sharing Network Foundation, Amanda provides strategic direction and oversight of philanthropic initiatives to increase the number of lives saved through donation and transplantation.
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Amanda spearheads the Foundation’s activities and programs to build and cultivate relationships and raise funds for clinical advancement, family support, public awareness and education, including the 5K Celebration of Life events which have grown to become one of the largest and most-recognized charitable events in the state.
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Known for her collaborative leadership style and ability to build partnerships within the donation and transplantation community, Amanda has held leadership volunteer roles with the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) Fund Development Council, the Transplant Games of America/Transplant Life Foundation, and serves as a member of the NJ Advisory Board for Eversight.
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Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and a Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Organizational Development from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She is also a graduate of the Lead New Jersey Fellowship Program (2023).
A.J. Vignola
Partner & CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Practitioner​
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Putting our client’s best interests first is what I am truly devoted to. After 10 years working with Jim and Tony, I became a partner in 2023. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Practitioner, when we say we offer personalized, objective guidance, we hold ourselves to a high standard of excellence. It is one of my responsibilities to make sure we deliver exceptionally comprehensive and customized planning.
I work directly with the team to analyze our client’s financial plans and identify challenges that may need to be addressed. Together we strengthen strategies, intently set upon making a difference in the lives of everyone we work with. It’s no secret that our days are intense, especially when markets can be volatile at times, but I have learned that being prepared, putting in the time, working as a team, and continuing to educate yourself is what separates our firm from others.
Since joining the team in 2014 I can look at my life and honestly say I practice what we preach when it comes to planning. I live in Ocean Township, NJ with my beautiful wife Christiana and our two-year-old daughter Willow, where we live a healthy plant-based lifestyle and surf the east coast waves.
Craig Weinrich
Senior Director, Member Experience, Council of New Jersey Grantmakers​
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Craig Weinrich joined the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers in 2014, as the Director of Member Services. Promoted to Senior Director, Member Experience in 2025, Craig oversees the recruitment and engagement with members, including communications and programs. During his tenure, Craig has also been CNJG’s Salesforce administrator; curated communications; developed and ran programs; researched, redesigned, and wrote the Philanthropy Benefits and Salary Survey; and maintained our website with our webmaster.
Craig discovered the nonprofit sector through an intense desire to avoid working in the dining hall at Dickinson College by interning with the Eaken Piano Trio, where he learned about the world of arts administration. From there, he served as Development Directors for the Delaware Symphony (promoted from Development Assistant) and Springfield (MA) Symphony Orchestras, where he could even be found clad in the costume of their newly-created penguin mascot! Craig then moved to Nonprofit New York, a membership association of nonprofits in the New York City area, serving as their Membership, Outreach and IT Director for nine years. While there, he earned a nonprofit management certificate from Baruch College through the United Way Nonprofit Leadership Institute. Prior to joining CNJG, Craig served as the Membership Director for Maryland Nonprofits. At each organization, Craig has served as the “accidental techie.”
Craig is happy to be back in New Jersey for the third time. He grew up in Madison, lived in Bloomfield while working in NYC, and now resides in Hamilton. He served twice on church council at Living Waters Lutheran Church in Ringoes; graduated from Lead NJ in 2015 (go Green!); and in July 2018, married Kacy O’Brien. In 2022, he was appointed to serve on the Governor’s Council on Volunteerism and Community Service. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, playing board games, and hiking with Kacy and their dog, Clyde.
Ben Yurcisin
Chief of Staff, The Generative AI Network
Co-Founder, Brainswarm AI
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Ben Yurcisin is a serial entrepreneur, generative AI black belt and experienced events professional. As the Chief of Staff of the Generative AI Network, which explores the latest business opportunities and monetary use cases for Generative AI, Ben is a thought leader at the forefront of emerging technologies for startups and enterprise organizations. In addition to his work with GAIN, Ben is also a partner across a portfolio of Generative AI startups, providing project management, strategy, marketing and business development to ensure the successful launch and growth of these ventures.
Janet B. Zanetich
Manager of Philanthropy
Sharing Network Foundation
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For more than a decade, Janet Zanetich has focused her professional career on making a difference in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. In 2015, she joined the Sharing Network Foundation, which supports the work of NJ Sharing Network, the federally designated nonprofit organization responsible for the recovery of donated organs and tissue in the Garden State. Since then, Janet has worked to raise funds for clinical advancement, family support, public awareness and education for organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Through managing the Foundation’s annual signature events, the 5K Celebration of Life and Golf Classic, Janet has helped raise over $11 million in her tenure. Under the direction of Janet and the foundation team, the 5K has grown to become one of the largest and most-recognized charitable events in the state.
Prior to joining NJ Sharing Network, Janet was a member of the Trinitas Health Foundation, where she assisted with the $18 million capital campaign to update and expand the Elizbeth hospital’s Emergency Department. Her journey into nonprofit work began at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, where her role in Community Relations combined her passion for sports with her commitment to making a difference. Janet holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Ramapo College of New Jersey and resides in Asbury Park with her wife, Ria.